Online banking is restricting Linux Users!

[Rob Wehrli]

I'm tired of banks dictating what software we must use in order to access
our account information.  Currently, most banks dictate that we use
Windows/Mac and one of IE or Netscape on those systems in order to be in
compliance with online banking policies.  Others simply restrict access
based on the browser and operating system online banking customers choose
to use.

Try this URL from your Linux box:
https://online.wellsfargo.com:443/signon

Let me know if you get a warning telling you that your browser is
unacceptable to them.

I'd like everyone to consider calling, writing, emailing their respective
bank to ensure that they will support Linux users and not discriminate
against us.  The fools at Wells Fargo had the nerve to tell me that they
couldn't ensure security without requiring IE on Windows or Mac or
Netscape on either of those platforms.

I don't want to hear about hacks of the User-Agent request header to
spoof the banks into thinking that the browser is acceptable to them.  It
will accomplish nothing and likely be in contravention of their
established policies.  I'm looking to CHANGE online banking policies to be
more accepting of Linux as a viable "3rd choice" the way it is the first
choice for many of us.

I mean, who needs their bank telling them what software to run?  What do
banks know about my software needs?

It is time to activate and tell your bank your choice for software for
online banking.  Also, if you don't trust Microsoft, tell them that, too!
What could my bank possibly know about security on my home PC?  Has any of
them ever heard that Microsoft runs its own SPYWARE on WinTel boxes?

What's worse is that I've consulted for Wells Fargo and they have UNIX
systems on the front end and in middleware and mainframes on the backend.

WWW Site: 		www.wellsfargo.com
Port: 			80
Server Software:	Sun-ONE-Web-Server/6.1

WWW Site: 		www.wellsfargo.com
Port: 			443
Server Software: 	This Web Server Does Not Disclose Identity


...who are they to be telling me that I CAN'T RUN UNIX?  Flaming
hypocrites!  If UNIX is robust and secure for them, why can't I run it for
the same reasons?  It ain't right!


Take Care.

Rob!